Process Of Racemisation Of Optically Active Alpha Aminoacetals

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a process for preparing α-aminoacetals substantially in racemic form, comprising a step of oxidizing optically enriched α-aminoacetals to the corresponding oximes, in the presence of a catalyst, and a step of reducing the oximes thus obtained.

The invention relates to a process for the racemization of optically active α-aminoacetals in order to obtain racemic a-aminoacetals.

More particularly, this process uses a derivation of the amine function of optically active α-aminoacetals in order to enable the racemization of α-aminoacetals under mild conditions.

Despite the progress of the past few years in asymmetrical synthesis, the resolving of racemic mixtures remains the approach most commonly used for the industrial synthesis of optically pure compounds, since it is often the most economical and the most practical means to be implemented for preparing pure enantiomers. The main drawback of such a process in relation to an enantioselective synthesis is that a theoretical optical yield equal to 50% with respect to the desired product is obtained. Thus, in order to make this type of process cost-effective, it is necessary to develop a method of racemization so as to recover the unwanted enantiomer by recycling of the racemic mixture to be resolved. In the development of an industrial resolving process, the economic stakes in terms of racemization are considerable, but said racemization often presents many difficulties: harsh operating conditions that are often necessary, the possible formation of decomposition products, too great a modification of the substrate to envisage direct recycling, which is reflected by additional synthesis steps, etc.

The literature makes reference to methods of racemization developed and applied generally to selecting a family of compounds, which reflects a limitation of the known racemization techniques used. Among the racemization methods most commonly used, mention may, by way of examples, be made of: racemization catalyzed by a base (for compounds having a sufficiently acidic hydrogen on the chiral centre), by an enzyme (which concerns essentially racemization of α-amino acids and derivatives), by an acid (for compounds having a tautomeric keto-enol form), racemization by formation of a Schiff's base-type intermediate with an aldehyde (technique developed for α-amino acids and derivatives) or else racemization by redox reactions (this concerns essentially chiral amines).

The families of compounds most widely studied and involved in the study of these racemization methods are: α-amino acids and derivatives thereof, amines, and to lesser degrees, alcohols and ether, acetate and alkoxy derivatives.

Unfortunately, most of the conventional methods of racemization described for the families of α-amino acids and derivatives (catalysis with a base or an acid, formation of a Schiff's base-type intermediate) or of chiral aromatic amines (catalysis with a base, reducing conditions), have not been efficient in the racemization of α-aminoacetals under mild operating conditions.

The technical problem to be solved therefore consists in providing a process for the racemization of optically active α-aminoacetals with a satisfactory yield using mild conditions, i.e., in particular, without impairing the acetal function, and processes for treating and recycling the racemic mixture in a new resolving process, which are easy to implement.

It has now been found that the combination of a step of oxidizing optically enriched α-aminoacetals to the corresponding oximes, in the presence of a catalyst, and of a step of reducing the oximes thus obtained makes it possible to solve the above problem.

A subject of the invention is therefore a process for preparing α-aminoacetals substantially in racemic form of formula (I)

in which:

-   -   R₁ and R₂, which may be identical or different, represent a         linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group, or else R₁ and R₂ are         attached so as to form a 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl group which is         unsubstituted or substituted on positions 4 and/or 5 with one or         more linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl substituents, or a         1,3-dioxan-2-yl group which is unsubstituted or substituted on         positions 4 and/or 5 and/or 6 with one or more linear or         branched C₁-C₆ alkyl substituents;     -   R₃ represents a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group; a C₃-C₁₀         cycloalkyl group; a cycloalkylalkyl group in which the         cycloalkyl and alkyl groups are as defined above; a         heterocycloalkyl group containing 3 to 10 atoms; a         heterocycloalkylalkyl group in which the heterocycloalkyl and         alkyl groups are as defined above; a monocyclic, bicyclic or         tricyclic C₆-C₁₄ aryl group; a heteroaryl group containing 5 to         14 atoms; an arylalkyl group or a heteroarylalkyl group, in         which the aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl groups are as defined         above; a C(═O)R₄ group in which R₄ represents an OR₅ group in         which R₅ represents an H, a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl         group, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a heterocycloalkyl group, an         aryl group or a heteroaryl group as defined above, or R₄         represents an —NHR₆ group in which R₆ represents an H, a linear         or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a         heterocycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group as         defined above; all the alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl,         heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl,         arylalkyl and heteroarylalkyl groups above being unsubstituted         or substituted,     -   the asterisk * signifies that the C atom is an asymmetrical         carbon,

by racemization of optically enriched α-aminoacetals of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I)

in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and the asterisk * are as defined for formula (I),

characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in:

-   -   oxidizing an optically enriched compound of formula (R)-(I) or         (S)-(I) as defined above, in the presence of a catalyst, so as         to obtain an oxime compound of formula (II)

-   -   in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, and     -   reducing said compound of formula (II) to a compound of         formula (I) as defined above, using a reducing agent.

In the present invention, the expression “racemization of optically enriched α-aminoacetals of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I)” means the racemization of the C atom bearing an asterisk *.

Preferably, use will be made of compounds of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(l) in which:

-   -   R₁ and R₂, which may be identical or different, represent a         linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl group, in particular methyl or         ethyl;     -   R₃ represents a group chosen from a linear or branched C₁-C₆         alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; a monocyclic,         bicyclic or tricyclic C₆-C₁₄ aryl group, preferably phenyl,         which is substituted or unsubstituted; an arylalkyl group in         which the aryl and alkyl groups are as defined above; preferably         benzyl, which is substituted or unsubstituted; a C₃-C₁₀         cycloalkyl group, preferably cyclohexyl, which is substituted or         unsubstituted; a cycloalkylalkyl group in which the cycloalkyl         group and the alkyl group are as defined above, preferably         cyclobutylmethyl, which is substituted or unsubstituted.

Optional substituents of the groups R₃, R₄, R₅ and R₆ may be independently chosen from the groups halogen, OH (optionally protected, for example in the form of an ether with tetrahydropyran or in the form of an ester with the acetyl group), NH₂, CO₂H, SO₃H, CF₃, alkoxycarbonyl (or alkyl-O—CO—), amide, alkyl-N—CO—, alkylenedioxy (or —O-alkylene-O—), alkylsulphonyl (or alkyl-SO₂—), alkylsulphonylcarbamoyl (or alkyl-SO₂—NH—C(═O)—), —O-cycloalkyl, acyloxy, acylamino, alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino, arylalkylamino, oxo protected in the form of a cyclic or noncyclic ketal, formyl protected in the form of a cyclic or noncyclic acetal, aryloxy, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, arylalkyl, heteroaryl and alkoxy.

In the products of Formulae (I), (S)-(I), (R)-(I) and (II) and also for the substituents, the groups indicated have the meanings which follow:

-   -   the halogen group denotes fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine         atoms;     -   the alkyl group denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ group such         as methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl,         tert-butyl, pentyl, isopentyl, sec-pentyl, tert-pentyl,         neopentyl, hexyl, isohexyl, sec-hexyl, tert-hexyl, heptyl,         octyl, nonyl, decyl, undecyl or dodecyl groups, linear or         branched C₁-C₆ alkyl groups being preferred;     -   the alkoxy group denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ group such         as methoxy, ethoxy, propoxy, isopropoxy, linear, secondary or         tertiary butoxy, pentoxy, hexoxy or heptoxy groups, linear or         branched C₁-C₆ alkoxy groups being preferred;     -   the cycloalkyl group denotes a monocyclic or bicyclic C₃-C₁₀         carbocyclic group such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl         or cyclohexyl groups;     -   the cycloalkylalkyl group denotes a group in which the         cycloalkyl and alkyl residues have the meanings mentioned above,         such as cyclopropylmethyl, cyclobutylmethyl, cyclopentylmethyl,         cyclohexylmethyl, cycloheptylmethyl, cyclopropylethyl or         cyclohexylethyl groups;     -   the aryl group denotes an unsaturated monocyclic or bicyclic         C₆-C₁₄ carbocyclic group, such as phenyl, naphthyl, indenyl or         anthracenyl groups, particularly the phenyl group;     -   the arylalkyl group denotes a group in which the aryl and alkyl         residues have the meanings mentioned above, such as benzyl,         phenylethyl, 2-phenylethyl or naphthylmethyl groups;     -   the heterocycloalkyl group denotes a monocyclic or bicyclic         carbocyclic group containing 3 to 10 atoms, interrupted with one         or more heteroatoms, which may be identical or different, chosen         from oxygen or nitrogen atoms, such as dioxolanyl, dioxanyl,         oxiranyl, piperazinyl, piperidinyl, pyrrolidinyl,         imidazolidinyl, pyrazolidinyl, morpholinyl or tetrahydrofuryl         groups;     -   the heterocycloalkylalkyl group denotes a group in which the         heterocycloalkyl and alkyl residues have the meanings mentioned         above;     -   the heteroaryl group denotes a monocyclic, bicyclic or         tricyclic, aromatic carbocyclic group containing 5 to 14 atoms,         or a bicyclic carbocyclic group in which one of the rings is         aromatic and the other ring is completely hydrogenated, or else         a tricyclic carbocyclic group in which at least one of the rings         is aromatic and the other ring(s) is (are) completely         hydrogenated, said carbocyclic group being interrupted with one         or more heteroatoms, which may be identical or different, chosen         from oxygen or nitrogen atoms, such as furyl (for example,         2-furyl), pyrrolyl, oxazolyl, oxadiazolyl, 3- or 4-isoxazolyl,         imidazolyl, pyrazolyl, isoxazolyl, pyridyl (for example, 2- or         3- or 4-pyridyl), pyrimidinyl, pyridazinyl, pyrazinyl,         tetrazolyl, benzofuranyl, indolyl, purinyl, quinolyl,         isoquinolyl, chromanyl or naphthyridinyl groups;     -   the heteroarylalkyl group denotes a group in which the         heteroaryl and alkyl residues have the meanings mentioned above;     -   the alkyl-O—CO—group denotes a linear or branched C₂-C₁₂ group         in which the alkyl group has the meaning indicated above;     -   the alkylene group denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₆ divalent         hydrocarbon-based group, such as methylene, ethylene, propylene         or isopropylene;     -   the —O-alkylene-O— group denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₆         group in which the alkylene group has the meaning indicated         above;     -   the alkyl-SO₂— group denotes a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ group         in which the alkyl group has the meaning indicated above;     -   the alkylsulphonylcarbamoyl group denotes a linear or branched         C₂-C₁₂ group in which the alkyl group has the meaning indicated         above;     -   the —O-cycloalkyl group denotes a group in which the cycloalkyl         group has the meaning indicated above;     -   the acyloxy group denotes an r-CO—O— group in which r represents         an alkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, aryl or heteroaryl         group, these groups having the values indicated above, such as         acetoxy or propionyloxy;     -   the acylamino group denotes an r-CO—N— group in which r has the         meaning indicated above, such as acetamido;     -   the alkyl-N—CO— group denotes a group in which the alkyl group         has the meaning indicated above;     -   the alkylamino, dialkylamino, arylamino, diarylamino and         arylalkylamino groups denote groups in which the alkyl and aryl         groups have the meanings indicated above;     -   the aryloxy group denotes an aryl-O— group in which the aryl         group has the meaning indicated above, such as phenoxy or         naphthyloxy.

The expression “optically enriched” means that the compound of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I) has an enantiomeric excess relative to the other enantiomer within the range of from 1% to 100%, preferably within the range of from 50% to 100%, and more preferably within the range of from 70% to 100%.

The expression “substantially racemic” means that the enantiomeric excess is less than 20%, preferably less than 10%, more preferably less than 5%, and most particularly that there is no enantiomeric excess.

The expression “enantiomeric excess” is intended to mean the ratio of the excess of the desired enantiomer relative to the undesired enantiomer.

This ratio is calculated according to one of the following equations:

% ee.(R)=([R]-[S]/[R]+[S])×100%

% ee.(S)=([S]-[R]/[R]+[S])×100

in which:

-   -   % ee.(R) represents the enantiomeric excess of R isomer     -   % ee.(S) represents the enantiomeric excess of S isomer     -   [R] represents the concentration of R isomer, and     -   [S] represents the concentration of S isomer.

The process of the invention comprises an oxidation step. In general, inorganic or organic peroxides and also complexes containing said peroxides may be used as oxidizing agents. By way of example, mention may be made of aqueous hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, urea-H₂O₂ complex or tert-butyl hydroperoxide, aqueous hydrogen peroxide being preferred.

The appropriate catalysts for the oxidizing step are most particularly chosen from alkali metal salts of metal oxides of tungsten, of molybdenum and of vanadium. By way of example, mention may be made of sodium tungstate, potassium tungstate, sodium molybdate, potassium molybdate, sodium vanadate and potassium vanadate, and mixtures thereof, and most particularly sodium tungstate in its dihydrate form (Na₂WO₄.2H₂O).

Other types of catalysts can be used, such as titanium silicalites (TS-1 and TS-2), peroxotungstophosphate and methyltrioxorhenium (MTO).

Preferred conditions for the oxidation step for forming the compound of formula (I) may be chosen from the following:

-   -   the oxidation is carried out in the presence of an aqueous         solution of hydrogen peroxide, preferably a 30% solution, in an         amount of between 1 and 10 molar equivalents, preferably 3 to 4         molar equivalents;     -   the catalyst, for example sodium tungstate dihydrate         (Na₂WO₄.2H₂O), is present in an amount of between 1 and 30 mol         %, and preferably 12 mol %;     -   the oxidation is carried out in an inert solvent or a mixture of         inert solvents, such as water or alcohol or in a water/alcohol         mixture, and preferably a mixture of water/methanol in         equivalent amount;     -   the temperature is between −5° C. and 50° C., preferably about         ambient temperature;     -   the duration is between 1 h and 48 h.

Under preferred conditions for carrying out the process according to the invention, the oxime derivative of formula (II) can be used in the reduction step without further purification.

The reduction can be carried out using metal hydrides such as, for example, sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride or lithium aluminium borohydride (LiAlH₄), or by catalytic hydrogenation such as hydrogenations in the presence of a supported noble metal (Pd—C/H₂ or Pt—C/H₂) or in the presence of Raney nickel (Ra—Ni/H₂).

Those skilled in the art are in a position to choose, by virtue of their general knowledge, the appropriate method of reduction according to the oxime derivative of formula (II).

Under preferred conditions for carrying out the step of reducing the compound of formula (II) so as to obtain the compound of formula (I) in substantially racemic form, said reduction is carried out by hydrogenation in the presence of Raney nickel under the following conditions:

-   -   the reaction is preferably carried out with an aqueous         suspension of Raney nickel at 50%,     -   the amount of Raney nickel is between 1 and 10 molar equivalents         of nickel atom, preferably 3 molar equivalents of nickel atom,         relative to the oxime compound of formula (II),     -   the reaction is carried out in an inert solvent or a mixture of         inert solvents, such as water or an alcohol or in a         water/alcohol mixture, and preferably in ethanol,     -   the reaction is carried out under a hydrogen pressure of between         100 kPa and 5000 kPa of hydrogen, preferably under 2000 kPa of         hydrogen,     -   the temperature is between 0° C. and 50° C., preferably around         ambient temperature;     -   the reaction time is between 1 h and 48 h.

The optically enriched α-aminoacetals of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I) can be obtained by adapting methods known from the literature, for instance from α-amino acids, followed by formation of a Weinreb amide, reduction with a hydride and acetalization as described in Tetrahedron Lett., 2000, 41(32), 6131-6135, WO 9822496 and WO 9614857, or by reduction to an alcohol, reoxidation to an aldehyde and acetalization as described in Tetrahedron Lett., 2000, 41(32), 6131-6135, EP 291234 and EP 249349.

The asymmetrical reduction of optically active imines, described in EP 374647, can also be used. Other approaches by asymmetrical induction are also described, such as the SAMP/RAMP method (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. Engl., (1993), 32(3), 418-421) or else the use of chiral aminotriazoles (FR 2843112).

In general, any known process for preparing an optically enriched α-aminoacetal is suitable for the invention, such as the Rosenmund reduction process described in particular in Tetrahedron (1974), 30(23/24), 4233-4237.

The following examples illustrate the invention in a non-limiting manner.

The optical enrichment of the α-aminoacetals (R)-(I) or (S)-(I) can be determined by chiral HPLC, either directly or on derivatives, preferably on carbamate derivatives of N-Cbz type (Cbz=benzyloxycarbonyl), of formula (III):

in which:

-   -   the asterisk * signifies that the C atom is an asymmetric         carbon, and     -   R₁, R₂, and R₃ have the meaning indicated above.

Analyses by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were carried out on a Brucker AC200 apparatus in the common deuterated solvents (CDCl₃, DMSOd₆, etc.). Gas chromatography (GC) analyses were carried out on a Varian 3900 apparatus (FID detection) with a Chrompack column (30 m/CP-SIL 8 CB-low bleed MS/1 μm/0.25 mm) and as method of analysis: T°_(injector) 250° C./T°_(detector) 300° C./oven programming: 80° C. for 1 min, then 15° C./min up to 300° C. and maintain at 300° C.

EXAMPLE 1 1-benzyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylamine (formula (1) : R₁═R₂=methyl; R₃=benzyl) 1/ Oxidation:

-   -   In a 50 ml three-necked flask equipped with a condenser, a         dropping funnel, a magnetic stirrer and a thermometer, 0.62 g of         optically enriched (R)-1-benzyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylamine (83% ee,         determined by chiral HPLC analysis) (3.2 mmol, 1 mol. eq.) is         dissolved, with stirring, in 10 g of H₂O. 0.08 g of sodium         tungstate dihydrate (0.24 mmol, 7.5% mol. eq.) is introduced         into this medium with stirring. The temperature of the medium is         brought to 0° C. and a 30% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide         (9.6 mmol, 3 mol. eq.) is then added dropwise. Once the addition         is complete, the medium is left to stir and allowed to return to         ambient temperature slowly. The stirring is continued overnight.     -   The reaction medium is washed with 8 ml of a saturated aqueous         solution of Na₂SO₃ and extracted with CH₂Cl₂. After         concentrating the organic phase, a mass of 0.52 g of         1,1-dimethoxy-3-phenylpropan-2-one oxime is obtained (yellow         oil) (yield_(crude)=78%).     -   Empirical formula: C₁₁H₁₅NO₃     -   Molar mass: 209.25 g.mol⁻¹     -   GC analyses: t_(r)=15 min     -   NMR (200 MHz/CDCl₃):         -   ¹H NMR: δ 3.2 (s, 6H, CH₃); 3.65 (s, 2H, CH₂); 4.58 (s, H,             CH) and 7.1-7.35 (m, 5H, H_(aromatic)) ppm.         -   ¹³C NMR: δ 30.15 (CH₂); 54.2 (CH₃); 103.4 (CH);             126.17-128.22-129.4 (CH_(aromatic)); 136.6 (C_(aromatic))             and 155.7 (C═N) ppm.

2/Reduction:

-   -   In an autoclave reactor equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a         thermocouple and a gas feed, 0.5 g of         1,1-dimethoxy-3-phenylpropan-2-one oxime (2.4 mmol, 1 mol.eq.)         and an aqueous suspension of Raney nickel at 50% (2.5 g) are         suspended in 64 g of 95% ethanol. After the reactor has been         swept with nitrogen, the medium is placed under 5000 kPa (50         bar) of hydrogen with stirring at ambient temperature for 40 h.         The progression of the reaction is followed by GC. The reduction         is stopped once the disappearance of the starting product has         been observed by GC.     -   The reaction medium is filtered through Célite®. The filtrate is         concentrated, and 0.35 g of racemic         1-benzyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylamine is obtained (yellow-coloured         oil, yield_(crude)=75%).     -   Chiral HPLC analysis is carried out in order to verify that the         racemic mixture has been obtained.     -   Empirical formula: C₁₁H₁₇NO₂     -   Molar mass: 195.26 g.mol⁻¹     -   Boiling point: B_(p)=115-120° C. under 5 mmHg     -   GC analyses: t_(r)=13.65 min     -   EI MS m/z (% relative intensity): 164 (M-31, 11); 120 (M-75,         96); 104 (M-91, 39); 91 (62); 75 (100).     -   NMR (200 MHz/CDCl₃):         -   ¹H NMR: δ 1.3 (s, 2H, NH₂); 2.5 (dd, 1H, syst AB CH₂); 3             (dd, 1H, syst AB CH₂); 3.15 (m, 1H, CH); 3.49 (s, 6H, CH₃);             4.14 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CH) and 7.19-7.4 (m, 6H,             CH_(aromatic)) ppm.         -   ¹³C NMR: δ 38.7 (CH₂); 54.2 (CH); 55.05 and 55.19 (CH₃);             107.9 (CH) ; 126.3-128.3-128.56-129.1-129.4 (CH_(aromatic))             and 139.1 (C_(aromatic)) ppm.     -   Chiral HPLC analyses: Chiralcel® OD-H, 90/10 hexane/isopropanol;         1 ml/min; UV 254 nm and polarimeter     -   enantiomer (−) t_(R)=5.6 min     -   enantiomer (+) t_(R)=6.5 min

EXAMPLE 2 1-dimethoxymethyl-3-methylbutylamine (formula (I): R₁═R₂=methyl; R₃=isobutyl) 1/Oxidation:

In a 100 ml three-necked flask equipped with a condenser, a dropping funnel, a magnetic stirrer and a thermometer, 0.5 g of optically enriched 1-isobutyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylamine (76% ee) (3.1 mmol, 1 mol.eq) is dissolved, with stirring, in a methanol (1 g)/H₂O (1 g) mixture in the presence of sodium tungstate dihydrate (0.12 g, 0.36 mmol, 12% mol. %). A slight exotherm is observed when the reactants are brought into contact. The medium is left to stir at ambient temperature. A 30% aqueous solution of hydrogen peroxide (1.06 g, 9.3 mmol, 3 mol.eq.) is added, dropwise, to this reaction medium for approximately 1 h. A slight exotherm also occurs during the addition. Once this addition is complete, the medium is left to stir at ambient temperature for 1 h, and then methanol is added (≈3 ml) in order to obtain a homogeneous medium. The progression of the reaction is followed by GC analyses. The medium is treated once the disappearance of the starting α-aminoacetal has been observed by GC (approximately 5-7 h).

-   -   10 ml of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) are added to the         residue, followed by 8 ml of a saturated aqueous solution of         Na₂SO₃. The aqueous phase is separated by settling out and         extracted. The organic phase obtained is dried over MgSO₄ and         concentrated. 0.4 g of 1,1-dimethoxy-4-methylpentan-2-one oxime         is obtained (yellow oil) (yield_(crude)=70%).     -   Empirical formula: C₈H₁₇NO₃     -   Molar mass: 175.23 g.mol⁻¹     -   GC analyses: t_(r)=10.5 min     -   NMR (200 MHz/CDCl₃):         -   ¹H NMR: δ 0.95 (m, 6H, CH₃); 2.15 (m, 1H, CH); 2.3 (m, 2H,             CH₂); 3.4-3.45 (m, 6H, CH₃); and 4.7 (s, 1H, CH) ppm.         -   ¹³C NMR: δ 23.05 (CH₃); 26.2 (CH); 32.9 (CH₂); 54.43 (CH₃);             104.40 (CH) and 157.20 (C═N) ppm.

2/ Reduction:

In an autoclave reactor equipped with a mechanical stirrer, a thermocouple and a gas feed, 3.28 g of 1,1-dimethoxy-4-methyl-pentan-2-one oxime (18.7 mmol, 1 mol.eq.) and 6.6 g of an aqueous suspension of Raney nickel at 50% (3 mol.eq. Ni) are suspended in 64 g of 95% ethanol. After the reactor has been swept with nitrogen, the medium is placed under 2000 kPa (20 bar) of hydrogen with stirring at ambient temperature. The progression of the reaction is followed by GC and the reduction is stopped once the disappearance of the starting product has been observed (15-24 h).

The reaction medium is filtered through Celite. The filtrate is concentrated. 2.30 g of racemic 1-dimethoxymethyl-3-methylbutylamine are obtained (colourless oil) (yield_(crude)=77%).

-   -   Empirical formula: C₈H₁₉NO₂     -   Molar mass: 161.25 g.mol⁻¹     -   Boiling point: B_(p)=75° C. under 10 mmHg     -   GC analyses: t_(r)=8.65 min     -   EI MS m/z (% relative intensity): 130 (M-31, 7); 86 (M-75, 100);         75 (67); 43 (80).     -   NMR (200 MHz/CDCl₃):         -   ¹H NMR: δ 0.85 (dd, 6H, CH₃); 1.2 (m, 4H, CH₂+NH₂); 1.7 (m             1H, CH); 2.82 (m, 1H, CH); 3.33 (s, 3H, CH₃); 3.36 (s, 3H,             CH₃) and 3.92 (d, J=5.6 Hz, 1H, CH) ppm.     -   ¹³C NMR: δ 21.5 (CH₃); 23.97 (CH₃); 24.5 (CH); 41.5 (CH₂); 50.6         (CH); 54.8 (CH₃); 55.2 (CH₃) and 108.9 (CH) ppm.

3/Determination of the Optical Purity

The optical purity is determined by chiral HPLC on the corresponding carbamate derivatives of formula (III), of N-Cbz type.

-   -   Empirical formula: C₁₆H₂₅NO₄     -   Molar mass: 295.38 g.mol⁻¹     -   GC analyses: t_(r)=18.1 min     -   NMR (200 MHz/CDCl₃):         -   ¹H NMR: δ 0.84 (m, 6H, CH₃); 1.27 (m, 2H, CH₂); 1.59 (m, 1H,             CH); 3.34 (s, 6H, CH₃); 3.8 (m, 1H, CH); 4.1 (s_(distorted),             1H, CH); 4.75 (d, 1H, NH₂); 5.03 (s, 2H, CH₂) and 7.1-7.3             (m, 5H, H_(aromatic)) ppm.         -   ¹³C NMR: δ 21.82 (CH₃); 23.6 (CH₃); 24.59 (CH); 38.5 (CH₂);             50.8 (CH); 56.01 (CH₃); 56.16 (CH₃); 66.73 (CH₂); 106.63             (CH); 128.05-128.54-128.79 (CH_(aromatic)); 136.72             (C_(aromatic)) and 156.37 (C═O) ppm.     -   Chiral HPLC analysis: Chiralcel® OD-H, 90/10 hexane/isopropanol,         1 ml/min, UV 254 nm and polarimeter     -   enantiomer (−) t_(R)=4.8 min     -   enantiomer (+) t_(R)=7.9 min

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 1

In a 50 ml three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a magnetic stirrer and a condenser, 0.14 g of optically enriched (R)-1-benzyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylamine (91% ee, determined by chiral HPLC) (0.71 mmol, 1 mol.eq.) and 0.09 g of salicylaldehyde (0.71 mmol, 1 mol.eq.) are introduced into 1 g of toluene. This medium is left to stir at ambient temperature for 2-3 h. After concentrating, a crude mass of 0.21 g of 24(1-benzyl-2,2-dimethoxyethylimino)methyl]phenol is obtained.

In a 50 ml three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a magnetic stirrer and a condenser, the imine obtained above and 80 mg of potassium tert-butoxide ((CH₃)₃OK) (0.71 mmol, 1 mol.eq.) are introduced into 0.9 g of tetrahydrofuran (THF). This medium is left to stir at ambient temperature for 72 h and then a saturated aqueous solution of NH₄Cl is added. After separation by settling out, the organic phase is concentrated.

The chiral HPLC analysis of the residue obtained indicates an enantiomeric excess of 90%, which means that there is therefore no racemization of the starting α-aminoacetal.

The same result is observed using 3 mol.eq. of a 10% solution of sodium ethanoate base (EtONa) in THF.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLE 2

In a 50 ml three-necked flask equipped with a thermometer, a magnetic stirrer and a condenser, 0.28 g of the imine obtained as above in Comparative Example 1 is introduced into 0.8 g of acetic acid. This medium is left to stir at ambient temperature for 24 h. Chiral HPLC analysis of a sample gives an enantiomeric excess of 90%. The medium is then heated at 50° C. for 6 h 30 and then at 80° C. for 7 h. Chiral HPLC analysis also gives an enantiomeric excess of 90%, which means that there is therefore no racemization. 

1. A process for preparing an α-aminoacetal substantially in racemic form of formula (I)

wherein: R₁ and R₂, which may be identical or different, are a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group, or R₁ and R₂ are attached so as to form a 1,3-dioxolan-2-yl group which is unsubstituted or substituted on positions 4 and/or 5 with one or more linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl substituents, or a 1,3-dioxan-2-yl group which is unsubstituted or substituted on positions 4 and/or 5 and/or 6 with one or more linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl substituents; R₃ is a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group; a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group; a cycloalkylalkyl group in which the cycloalkyl and alkyl groups are as defined above; a heterocycloalkyl group containing 3 to 10 atoms; a heterocycloalkylalkyl group in which the heterocycloalkyl and alkyl groups are as defined above; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic C₆-C₁₄ aryl group; a heteroaryl group containing 5 to 14 atoms; an arylalkyl group or a heteroarylalkyl group, in which the aryl, heteroaryl and alkyl groups are as defined above; a C(═O)R₄ group in which R₄ is an OR₅ group in which R₅ is a H, a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a heterocycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group as defined above, or R₄ is a —NHR₆ group in which R₆ is a H, a linear or branched C₁-C₁₂ alkyl group, a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group, a heterocycloalkyl group, an aryl group or a heteroaryl group as defined above; wherein all the alkyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkylalkyl, heterocycloalkyl, heterocycloalkylalkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, arylalkyl and heteroarylalkyl groups above may be unsubstituted or substituted, the asterisk * signifies that the C atom is an asymmetrical carbon, by racemization of an optically enriched α-aminoacetal of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I)

in which R₁, R₂, R₃ and the asterisk * are as defined for formula (I), comprising the steps of: oxidizing an optically enriched compound of formula (R)-(I) or (S)-(I) as defined above, in the presence of a catalyst, so as to obtain an oxime compound of formula (II)

in which R₁, R₂ and R₃ are as defined above, and reducing the compound of Formula (II) to a compound of formula (I) as defined above, using a reducing agent.
 2. A process according to claim 1, wherein: R₁ and R₂, which may be identical or different, are a linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl group; R₃ is a group chosen from a linear or branched C₁-C₆ alkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; a monocyclic, bicyclic or tricyclic C₆-C₁₄ aryl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; an arylalkyl group in which the aryl and alkyl groups as are defined above, which is substituted or unsubstituted; a C₃-C₁₀ cycloalkyl group which is substituted or unsubstituted; a cycloalkylalkyl group in which the cycloalkyl group and the alkyl group are as defined above, which is substituted or unsubstituted.
 3. A process according to claim 1, wherein the oxidation step is carried out in the presence of an inorganic or organic peroxide.
 4. A process according to claim 3, wherein the peroxide is chosen from aqueous hydrogen peroxide, sodium perborate, sodium percarbonate, urea-H₂O₂ complex or tert-butyl hydroperoxide.
 5. A process according to claim 4, wherein the peroxide is aqueous hydrogen peroxide.
 6. A process according to claim 1, wherein the peroxide is present in an amount of from 1 to 10 molar equivalents.
 7. A process according to claim 1, wherein the oxidation step is carried out in the presence of a catalyst chosen from the group consisting of alkali metal salts of metal oxides of tungsten, of molybdenum and of vanadium, or mixtures thereof, titanium silicalites, peroxotungstophosphate and methyltrioxorhenium.
 8. A process according to claim 7, wherein the catalyst is chosen from the group consisting of sodium tungstate, potassium tungstate, sodium molybdate, potassium molybdate, sodium vanadate and potassium vanadate, and mixtures thereof.
 9. A process according to claim 8, wherein the catalyst is sodium tungstate.
 10. A process according to claim 7, wherein the catalyst is present in an amount of between 1 and 30 mol %.
 11. A process according to claim 1, wherein the reduction step is carried out using a metal hydride.
 12. A process according to claim 11, wherein the reduction is carried out using sodium borohydride, lithium borohydride or lithium aluminium hydride.
 13. A process according to claim 1, wherein the reduction step is carried out by hydrogenation in the presence of Raney nickel or a supported noble metal such as palladium-on-charcoal or platinum-on-charcoal.
 14. A process according to claim 13, wherein the hydrogenation is carried out using Raney nickel.
 15. A process according to claim 14, wherein the amount of Raney nickel is between 1 and 10 molar equivalents of nickel atom.
 16. A process according to claim 14, wherein the amount of Raney nickel is 3 molar equivalents of nickel atom.
 17. A process according to claim 7, wherein the catalyst is present in an amount of 12 mol %.
 18. A process according to claim 8, wherein the catalyst is sodium tungstate in its dihydrate form.
 19. A process according to claim 1, wherein the peroxide is present in an amount of from 3 to 4 molar equivalents. 